"Too few things in our world are worth a seventeen year wait: The Book of Dust is one of them." — The Washington Post
Philip Pullman returns to the parallel world of his groundbreaking novel The Golden Compass to expand on the story of Lyra, "one of fantasy's most indelible characters." (The New York Times Magazine)
Malcolm Polstead is the kind of boy who notices everything but is not much noticed himself. And so perhaps it was inevitable that he would become a spy...
Malcolm's parents run an inn called the Trout, on the banks of the river Thames, and all of Oxford passes through its doors. Malcolm and his daemon, Asta, routinely overhear news and gossip, and the occasional scandal, but during a winter of unceasing rain, Malcolm catches wind of something new: intrigue.
He finds a secret message inquiring about a dangerous substance called Dust — and the spy it was intended for finds him.
When she asks Malcolm to keep his eyes open, he sees suspicious characters everywhere: the explorer Lord Asriel, clearly on the run; enforcement agents from the Magisterium; a gyptian named Coram with warnings just for Malcolm; and a beautiful woman with an evil monkey for a daemon. All are asking about the same thing: a girl — just a baby — named Lyra.
Lyra is the kind of person who draws people in like magnets. And Malcolm will brave any danger, and make shocking sacrifices, to bring her safely through the storm.
"The book is full of wonder.... Truly thrilling." — The New York Times
"People will love the first volume of Philip Pullman's new trilogy with the same helpless vehemence that stole over them when The Golden Compass came out." — Slate
The series
The Book of Dust is a captivating extension of the world introduced in His Dark Materials, but with a fresh lens that explores the past and future of a universe already rich in mystery and wonder. This series takes readers deep into the origins of Dust, the mysterious force that has shaped the fates of many, while also focusing on the journey of new and familiar characters as they grapple with questions of fate, power, and identity.
Read full series description
Set in a world where science and magic intersect, The Book of Dust plunges readers back into the awe-inspiring landscape that fans of Philip Pullman know so well. However, this is a tale where the shadows of the past and the weight of destiny intertwine, opening doors to deeper mysteries. The story begins with Malcolm Polstead, an inquisitive boy whose adventures lead him into a web of intrigue, danger, and choices that will change the world forever. Alongside him is the brilliant and rebellious Lyra Belacqua, whose journey takes a darker turn as she faces the consequences of the choices made in the previous series.
The series invites readers into a world where questions of free will, the balance of power, and the cost of knowledge are explored through a fantastical yet deeply human lens. From the secretive Order of Magisterium to the danger of unseen forces manipulating history, The Book of Dust builds a narrative that's both a thrilling adventure and a philosophical exploration of the universe’s most profound mysteries.
The beauty of Pullman’s storytelling lies in his ability to weave complex themes into accessible and gripping tales. As the series expands, it remains a compelling blend of adventure, philosophy, and fantasy. Fans of His Dark Materials will find much to love here, while newcomers will discover a rich, layered world filled with both wonder and danger. Each book deepens the questions about Dust’s nature, and how the choices of those who wield power shape the future of this intricate world.
In a universe full of shifting allegiances, alliances, and moral ambiguity, The Book of Dust raises questions about destiny, the essence of consciousness, and the struggle for truth in a world governed by forces beyond human understanding. It’s a journey that’s just as much about discovering the nature of the universe as it is about uncovering the mysteries of the heart.
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